In a recent announcement, Binance regretfully informed its users in Australia that AUD deposits and withdrawals by bank transfer are no longer available. Additionally, all AUD trading pairs have been ceased as of June 1st. This decision has been attributed to difficulties faced by Binance with the Westpac Bank, leading to the temporary suspension of AUD payment services via PayID since May 18th, 2023.
The move to discontinue AUD trading pairs comes as a result of increased pressure from Australian authorities, including regulatory measures implemented since 2022. The Australian government introduced crypto regulations in August 2022, followed by the establishment of a dedicated unit within the Australian Federal Police to oversee cryptocurrency-related money laundering concerns in September of the same year.
Binance’s operations in Australia have faced several setbacks recently, further exacerbating the situation. On February 23rd, Binance Australia unilaterally closed its positions and futures accounts for users, triggering an investigation by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) the following day. In April 2023, Binance had its derivatives trading license revoked and underwent scrutiny by ASIC.
The challenges faced by Binance extend beyond Australia, as the company encounters pressures from multiple jurisdictions. The United States Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) filed a lawsuit against Binance and its CEO, Changpeng Zhao, accusing the company of evading registration obligations and engaging in illegal financial activities. Additionally, on May 12th, Binance withdrew from the Canadian market, citing the stringent regulations in the country as significant barriers to its operations.
The recent legal troubles and regulatory scrutiny have taken a toll on Binance, with users reportedly withdrawing a staggering $1.78 billion USD from the exchange. Rumors have also circulated that Binance is downsizing its operations, with reports suggesting the termination of up to 20% of its global workforce of 8,000 employees.
Moreover, Binance is currently grappling with finding new banking partners after the collapse of Signature Bank, which resulted in disruptions to USD deposit and withdrawal services.
Despite these challenges, Binance assured its users that their funds are secure through the Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU), an insurance fund that offers protection in extreme situations. The company also emphasized that users can still engage in crypto trading using credit or debit cards, and the Binance P2P marketplace will continue operating as usual.
As the cryptocurrency industry undergoes increasing scrutiny and regulation worldwide, it remains to be seen how Binance will navigate the evolving landscape and address the challenges it faces. The situation in Australia serves as another reminder of the need for exchanges and regulatory authorities to collaborate and find common ground to ensure a secure and transparent environment for cryptocurrency users.
Source: https://azcoinnews.com/binance-halts-aud-deposits-and-withdrawals-in-australia-faces-regulatory-headwinds.html